Trip Details:

About this program

If you want to immerse yourself in an exploration of authentic Andean culture and vibrant celebrations, this adventure is for you!

Join thousands of pilgrims from across the Andes on a two-day pilgrimage to the base of a sacred mountain to experience the Qoyllor R’iti Festival, an annual celebration that is relatively unheard of by the outside world. Surrounded by traditional dancers in colourful costumes, music and games, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a ritual offering to the Spirits of the Mountains to manifest your dreams into reality.

As you journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you will experience the real Peru as you are welcomed into the hearts and homes of friendly Andean villagers during a family homestay. Followed by an in-depth exploration of ancient Inca sites, you will visit the sanctuary of Machu Picchu, the majestic Ollantaytambo fortress, the circular terraces of Moray, the salt pools of Moras, and the colourful market town of Pisac.

This is an experience you will never forget!

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Itinerary

Day 1 | Lima

Free time to explore

Dinner on the town

Welcome to Lima, the capital city of Peru known as the City of Kings. Perched on atop jagged cliffs that plunge into the Pacific Ocean, Lima is a bustling city known for its manicured parks, elegant boulevards, pre-Columbian art museums, vibrant nightlife, and culinary delights.

During the day there are no planned activities so check into the boutique hotel in the heart of Miraflores and enjoy this time to explore the city. In the evening, you'll gather for the Welcome Meeting followed by dinner on the town.

Day 2 | Cuzco

Morning FlightVisit San Pedro MarketFree time to explore

A morning flight will take you to the city of Cuzco and the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Once the capital of the Inca Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.

After lunch, you'll have free time to explore. Stroll along cobblestone streets to visit the colourful San Pedro market or enjoy a coffee overlooking the central square.

Dinner on the town and an evening briefing with your local guide.

Day 3 & 4 | Traditional Andean Village

Daily life in a traditional Andean village

Women’s Weaving Project

Despacho Ceremony

Over the next two days, you'll get a glimpse into the daily life of a traditional Andean village. You'll begin with a Despacho ceremony to ask for blessings and protection on your journey and give offerings of gratitude to Pachamama (Mother Earth).

You'll share in a traditional lunch and join activities with local families, perhaps harvesting their crops, a visit to the school or a friendly game of soccer. You'll learn about ancient Inca weaving techniques with an opportunity to purchase items directly from the women that make them.

Day 5 | Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley Inca SitesJourney by trainHotsprings

Today you journey through the Sacred Valley stopping at various Inca Sites along the way. You'll visit Moray, a deep spiral of circular terraces used by the Incas as an agricultural laboratory to cultivate crops high in the Andes. Maras is an ancient site with over 3,000 pools of salt that are harvested by local families, similar to over 1,000 years ago.

In the afternoon you´ll journey by train to the town of Aguas Calientes and end the day relaxing in the hotsprings.

Day 6 | Machu Picchu

Explore Machu Picchu

Optional Climb Wayna Picchu

A morning hike to the top of Wayna Picchu for a birds eye view of Machu Picchu and the unforgettable feeling of being on top of the world.

In the afternoon you´ll experience the magic of Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel set amidst a dramatic landscape between the high Andes and the Amazon Basin as your guide takes you through this magnificent site, pointing out areas of interest and importance.

Day 7 | Pisac Market

OllantaytamboPisac Market

Today you depart Machu Picchu and travel back to Cuzco, stopping en route at Ollantaytambo, an ancient fortress built on the side of a mountain with monolithic stones that tower over the town below. Followed by a visit to Pisac, a colourful Andean market where local artisans sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to alpaca sweaters and people from the surrounding Quechua communities come to sell their produce. Overnight in Cuzco.

Day 8 | Cuzco

Explore Cuzco

Free day to discover more of Cuzco and the surrounding area. Stroll through cobblestone streets and shops, visit the bohemian neighbourhood of San Blas, check out the famous 12-sided stone, museums, cathedrals and the Temple of the Sun or take a cooking class.

If you’re feeling adventurous, spend your day white water rafting, journey to Rainbow Mountain, hike to the White Christ statue for a birds eye view of the city or ride a horse through the rolling country side.

Day 9 & 10 | Qoyllur R’iti Festival

2-day Pilgrimage to Ausangate MountainQoyllur R’iti Festival

You'll join thousands of pilgrims from across the Andes on a pilgrimage to the base of a sacred mountain to witness the ancient festival of Qoyllur R’iti, which is Quechua for “Brilliant Snow Star”.

You'll see a mix of indigenous customs and christianity and participate in traditional games and rituals to manifest your dreams into reality. The trek is 3-4 hrs each way to the sanctuary at 4700m / 15,420 ft.

You'll dress warmly for overnight camping at high altitude. A local guide will accompany you. Camping gear and a cook will be provided.

Return to Cuzco in the afternoon of Day 10 to overnight and our last dinner on the town.